Steve,
This in response to your recent comments on the Cobra coupes, although I had
anticipated that by this time a knowledgable Cobra buff would have come
forward to properly enlighten the rest of us. Anyway, here goes:
There were several Cobra coupes, including the Lone Star, the AC Le Mans
coupe, the 427 Super Coupe, the 3 Le Mans Cobras, the 6 Le Mans Replicas,
etc. But I'm sure the ones you were referring to were the 6 Daytona coupes,
so named because the first race for these cars was the 12 hour race at
Daytona in February 1964. Later in 1964, the Sunbeam Tigers had to compete
against the Daytona in the 24 hour race at Le Mans. My understanding is that
today 5 of these cars are accounted for, with some kind of mystery
surrounding the 6th. In recent years, 2 Daytona replicas have been built.
The first, built by Cobra guru Lynn Park, uses an actual 289 chassis and a
replica aluminum body. It is painted the traditional Guardsman blue w/white
stripes and displays a California personalized license plate "Coupe 7". The
car was subsequently sold to the late Bo Cheadle, who had it at Sears Point
for the 1998 NorCal Shelby "Mini-Nats" when I was up there with the Le Mans
Tiger. Since Bo's untimely passing, I do not know the present whereabouts of
this, or any of his cars.
I know nothing of the 2nd replica, only that it was reportedly built by or
for Mr. Shelby. I am sure someone else can provide all the information of
this car. Was this car the unpainted vehicle you say appeared at Woodley
park, which, if I understand you correctly, is owned by your mechanic?
Hope this clears the air somewhat.
Dick Barker
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